CA Health & Safety Code Section 104557.1

(a)

Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 104557, a tobacco product manufacturer that elects to place funds into escrow pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 104557 may make an irrevocable assignment of its interest in the funds to the benefit of the State of California. Such assignment shall be permanent and apply to all funds in the subject escrow account or that may subsequently come into the account, including those deposited into the escrow account prior to the assignment being executed, those deposited into the escrow account after the assignment is executed, and interest or other appreciation on the funds. The tobacco product manufacturer, the Attorney General, and the financial institution where the escrow amount is maintained may make such amendments to the qualified escrow account agreement as may be necessary to effectuate an assignment of rights executed pursuant to this subdivision or a withdrawal of funds from the escrow amount pursuant to subdivision (b). An assignment of rights executed pursuant to this section shall be in writing, signed by a duly authorized representative of the tobacco products manufacturer making the assignment, and shall become effective upon delivery of the assignment to the Attorney General and the financial institution where the escrow account is maintained.

(b)

Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 104557, any escrow funds assigned to the state pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be withdrawn by the state upon the request by the Treasurer and approval of the Attorney General. Any funds withdrawn pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited into the General Fund and shall be calculated on a dollar-for-dollar basis as a credit against any judgment or settlement described in subdivision (b) of Section 104557 which may be obtained against the tobacco product manufacturer who has assigned the funds in the subject escrow account. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve a tobacco product manufacturer from any past, current, or future obligations the manufacturer may have pursuant to this chapter.